320/9–2853: Telegram
The United States Representative at the United Nations (Lodge) to the Department of State
Delga 41. Re: Membership. Membership problem discussed today at luncheon meeting arranged by Governor Byrnes for Belaunde (Peru), Uruquia (El Salvador), De La Colina (Mexico), Crosthwaite (UK), and Ordonneau (France).
Byrnes stated in strongest terms our opposition to admission of satellites on ground that as long as Article 4 requires qualifications for membership these qualifications must be observed and cannot be bargained away for a price. Group agreed.
Three arguments were advanced [by Byrnes] in support of Belaunde idea.
- (1)
- GA abandonment of any further efforts in this matter would create sense of frustration, particularly among applicant states;
- (2)
- UN applies principle of negotiation to all problems. There is no reason why it should not be applied to membership deadlock;
- (3)
- Under Article 4 GA has definite role in membership problem which it cannot abdicate.
Considerable opposition expressed in group to concept that committee should “negotiate”. Ordonneau and Crosthwaite strongly opposed Belaunde’s thought of several progressive “small packages”, some of which might involve satellites.1
De La Colina urged that committee’s tasks should be limited to that of GA liaison committee with SC since problem can be solved only when agreement reached in SC.
Group then agreed on following redraft last paragraph Belaunde’s resolution:
“Decides to establish a committee of good offices consisting of the representatives of (3 member states) empowered to consult with members of the SC with the object of exploring the possibilities of reaching an understanding which would facilitate the admission of qualified new members in accordance with Article 4 of the charter. The committee shall report to the GA as appropriate.”
Ordonneau indicated that France might drop its opposition to the idea. We wonder whether Belaunde will stick to agreed redraft.
In a private conversation Belaunde recognized merit of associate membership idea but thought separate resolution should be offered on [Page 978] that subject and his committee should not get involved in negotiating arrangements for associate membership.
- Stein had reported previously on Sept. 24 the following regarding the British position on associate membership: “I asked Mr. Crosthwaite whether the UK maintains its past negative position towards the idea of associate membership for the qualified applicants. Crosthwaite said the British remain strongly opposed to the idea and consider it entirely unconstitutional.” (Memorandum of conversation by Stein (excerpt), Sept. 24, 1953, UNP files, lot 59 D 237, “Membership”)↩